ICYMI: NC Black Bears Are Waking Up. Here's What You Need To Know

NORTH CAROLINA — Black bears are beginning to forage for food in North Carolina after winter hibernation, and that could bring them closer to people than normal, warn state wildlife officials. Natural food sources for bears — such as plants, berries and insects — are in short supply so far, so bears are looking for anything that smells like food, officials warn each spring.

Black bears in North Carolina are concentrated in the mountain and coastal regions and, as they emerge from their winter hibernation, may be seen moving into residential areas looking for food. If left alone, most bears that have wandered into neighborhoods will quickly retreat, particularly if no food source is around, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

“No matter where you are or where you live, if you encounter a bear, the most important thing to do is leave the bear alone. Don’t try to feed it or chase it off — we can’t stress this enough,” said Colleen Olfenbuttel, the Commission’s black bear and furbearer biologist. “Crowds of people can unnerve a bear, perhaps causing it to act defensively.”

Here’s what NCWRC says to do to reduce the chances of a bear encounter:

• Never feed a bear – either intentionally or unintentionally. Feeding bears trains them to approach homes and people for more food. Bears are particularly attracted to human garbage, pet food and other human-associated foods, like bird seed. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety or theirs.

• Secure food, garbage and recycling. Food and food odors attract bears so don’t reward them with easily available food or garbage. Bags of trash inside cans stored in a garage, sheds or other secure area; or use garbage cans or trash containers with a secure latching system or that are bear-resistant. Place trash outside as late as possible, on trash pick-up days – not the night before.
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and other grains have high calorie content making them very attractive to bears.
• Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed outdoor pets portion sizes that will be completely eaten during each meal and remove leftover food and food bowl.
• Clean and store grills. After you use an outdoor grill, clean it thoroughly and make sure that all grease and fat is removed.
• Alert neighbors to bear activity. See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share info on how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.

In addition to removing food attractants, residents can:

• Install electric fencing, which will protect bee hives, dumpsters, gardens, compost piles and other potential food sources.
• Consider using a bear-resistant trash container.
• Talk to neighbors and consider becoming a certified BearWise community. BearWise certified communities work together to prevent conflicts between bears and humans.

What Should I Do If I Encounter A Bear?

If you encounter a bear that is not aware of your presence, back away and leave the area. Give the bear plenty of room. If you spot a bear cub, remain alert. The cub's mother is sure to be near, state officials say.

If you meet a bear at close range, speak to it in a calm, assertive voice, wildlife experts advise. Stay calm and do not run. Remain upright and back away from the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, which the bear may perceive as a threat.

Black bears may exhibit some unique behaviors when they feel their personal space is being threatened. A crowded bear may huff or make a woofing noise at the threat. They may also swat the ground, pop their jaws, or even bluff charge the perceived threat. When a bear bluff charges, it may stop several yards or just a few feet short of the threat. Remember not to run, as running may incite a bear's natural "chase reflex." Stay calm. Remain upright and back away from the bear.

Bears may also stand upright on their hind legs. This is not a sign of aggression. Bears usually stand upright when they are trying to get a better view of something. Bears rely heavily on their sense of smell, and may stand upright to better determine the source of the new scent, authorities say.

Keeping Bears Away From Homes and Cabins

To minimize bear problems on your property:

• Reduce garbage odors. Rinse food cans and wrappers before disposal.
• Compost vegetable scraps properly away from house.
• Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage pickup day.
• Wash garbage cans regularly and use lime to cut odors.
• Keep garbage cans in a bear-proof container or in an enclosed building until trash pickup.
• Remove bird feeders in the spring. If you persist in feeding during summer, remove seed, suet and hummingbird feeders at night.
• Keep pet food inside.
• Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean.
• Use an energized fence to keep bears out of beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches. (An energized fence is powered by a low-impedance, high –voltage energizer that provides a short-duration, high-energy impulse.)
• Barking dogs, bright lights and noisemakers will sometimes discourage bears from coming into an area.

If a bear comes into your yard:

• Don't panic, shoot or approach it.
• Back away slowly.
• Go inside and wait for the bear to leave.
• Most bears fear people and will leave when they see you.
• If a bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground or brush, or bluff charges: YOU ARE TOO CLOSE!
• Learn to tolerate bears. Many bears are killed or injured when not causing problems.

If a bear refuses to leave:

• Be sure you have allowed the bear an escape route.
• Make loud noises to scare it away.
• If a bear is treed:Leave it alone. The bear will usually go away when it feels safe.
• Have people leave the area.
• Remove your dog from the area.

Bear Encounters With Campers

If you encounter a bear while in the outdoors, remain calm. Don't panic. Leave the area. To reduce the chance of experiencing bear problems:

• Move to another campsite if fresh bear signs are present.
• Never keep food in your tent.
• Use canned and dried foods to minimize food odors.
• Store foods out of a bear's reach, in a vehicle or enclosed building if possible.
• Use airtight or bear-proof containers.
• Burn waste paper in your campfire.
• Do not burn or bury food scraps.
• Remove all garbage and fish remains from camp every evening.

If a bear comes into camp:

• Don't feed it. Scare it away.
• Make loud noises, bang pans, yell or use air horns.

After a period of wandering, young bears usually settle in places with established bear populations and typically make dens in wooded areas.

More information about living with black bears in North Carolina can be found here.

Patch Editor Deb Belt contributed.